To embed a YouTube video, copy the embed code from YouTube and paste it into your post or page. Then click Publish. You can also paste the video web address on its own line, and WordPress builds the player for you.
Why embed instead of upload
Embedding works better than uploading the video file. YouTube stores and plays the file, so the video does not use your hosting space.
Video files are large. They can slow down a page and fill up your account fast. An embedded video loads from YouTube instead.
A short video also helps visitors understand your message. A video of you talking about your product or service can work well.
It also plays on phones without extra work from you. YouTube picks the right quality for each visitor's connection.
How to embed with the embed code
This method works in the Text tab of the editor. It gives you control over the video size.
Open your video
Go to YouTube and open the video you want to show.
Click Share
Click the Share tab under the video. A box opens with sharing choices.
Click Embed
Click Embed in the sub-menu. A code box appears with a block of code.
Pick a size
Choose a size for the video from the drop-down menu. Then copy the code.
Open your post or page
In WordPress, go to Posts > Add New or Pages > Add New. You can also edit an existing one.
Paste into the Text tab
Click the Text tab on the right side of the editor. Paste your code where you want the video to appear.
Publish
Click Publish. The video plays on your WordPress website.
The faster way: paste the link
You can also paste the video's web address (URL) on a line by itself. WordPress turns it into a video player.
Do not put the link inside a sentence. It must sit alone on its own line. Do not make it a clickable link either, or you will see plain text.
Read more in our post on how to embed videos in WordPress.
If the video does not show
First, check that you pasted the whole code. It starts with the word iframe and ends with a closing tag. A missing piece breaks the player.
Second, make sure you pasted into the Text tab, not the Visual tab. The Visual tab shows the code as plain words.
Third, check the video itself. The owner of a YouTube video can turn off embedding. If so, YouTube shows an error in the player. Pick another video or ask the owner.
Simple videos are easy to make. You can use the camera on your laptop or an inexpensive app that records your computer screen.
Keep it short. A video of one to three minutes holds attention better than a long one. Put the video near the top of the page so visitors see it first.
Want us to add video for you?
Our Omaha web design team can add video to your site for you. Call 402-813-4034, or fill out the contact form. We are open every day from 7 am to 10 pm.
AboutRod and Tami Atwood
Rod and Tami Atwood and other Websnoogie contributors write the Websnoogie blog. Rod has built websites since 2004 and founded Websnoogie, LLC in Omaha in 2012. Tami is co-owner, content editor and billing expert. Call us at 402-813-4034 or write to staff@websnoogie.com.
